Sbarro to Open 40 New Restaurants in Peru and Colombia

MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sbarro (www.sbarro.com) announced today that it has inked a partnership agreement with Taco Holdings that will significantly deepen the company's presence in South America.  Taco Holdings, the master franchisee for Sbarro in Mexico with 23 eateries, will now spearhead the opening of more than 40 new eateries across Peru and Colombia, marking the first Sbarro locations to open in both countries.  The first locations are slated to open this year, with two new eateries opening in Colombia and one in Peru.

"Taco Holdings is a world renowned operator and has been a strategic business partner to Sbarro as we continue to expand our footprint in South America," said Jim Greco, CEO of Sbarro. "Ignacio Cortina Rivero and the team at Taco Holdings bring a wealth of knowledge in both business markets and encompass the values of the Sbarro brand."

Over the past year, Sbarro has significantly expanded its international presence forging franchise agreements across the globe.  The company currently operates more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries with more than 400 of those restaurants located outside the United States.

"Our ability to successfully grow the Sbarro brand in Mexico has been a direct result of the tremendous support and partnership that we have enjoyed with the company," said Ignacio Cortina Rivero, Director General of Taco Holdings.  "In addition to working with a leading brand, Sbarro's team of international experts are the best in the business.  We look forward to further growing the relationship as we extend into the Peruvian and Colombian markets."

About Sbarro
Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category.  Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries.  An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, drinks and desserts.  Sbarro is headquartered in Melville, NY. For more information, visit www.sbarro.com.

SOURCE Sbarro